Nowadays, most of Western consumers are aware that a targeted diet could be an important tool for fighting ageing and diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Microorganisms may be exploited for setting up novel foods that, beside their nutritional value, may positively impact on consumers’ health. Some microorganisms may benefit host when ingested as viable cells carried by food and beverages. This falls in the intriguing field of probiotics, recently brought forward by the numerous probiotic claims rejected by the European Food Safety Authority. This research topic includes research articles and reviews/perspectives that (i) contribute to understand the mechanism underlying the health effects of probiotic microorganisms; (ii) show integrated approaches for selecting new probiotics; (iii) report about non-dairy food items as novel carriers of probiotics; and (iv) deal with biologically active compounds from microorganisms.

Fermented foods have been an important part of the human diet in many cultures for many centuries. Modern research, especially on the immune system, is revealing how these foods and their active ingredients impact human health. Handbook of Fermented Functional Foods presents the latest data on fermented food products, their production processes, an

The first edition of Functional foods: Concept to product quickly established itself as an authoritative and wide-ranging guide to the functional foods area. There has been a remarkable amount of research into health-promoting foods in recent years and the market for these types of products has also developed. Thoroughly revised and updated, this major new edition contains over ten additional chapters on significant topics including omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, consumers and health claims and functional foods for obesity prevention.Part one provides an overview of key general issues including definitions of functional foods and legislation in the EU, the US and Asia. Part two focuses on functional foods and health investigating conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity and infectious diseases as well as and the impact of functional foods on cognition and bone health. Part three looks at the development of functional food products. Topics covered include maximising the functional benefits of plant foods, dietary fibre, functional dairy and soy products, probiotics and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).With its distinguished editors and international team of expert contributors, Functional foods: Concept to product is a valuable reference tool for health professionals and scientists in the functional foods industry and to students and researchers interested in functional foods. - Provides an overview of key general issues including definitions of functional foods and legislation in the EU, the US and Asia - Focuses on functional foods and health investigating conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity and infectious diseases - Examines the development of functional food products featuring maximising the functional benefits of plant foods, dietary fibre, functional dairy and soy products

For centuries, people around the world have used fermentation to preserve and enhance the flavor of a wide variety of foods. Today, complex interactions of microbiota in the digestive tract are found to influence proper digestion, metabolism, and disease resistance. With greater emphasis on natural products and the role of food in health and wellbeing, food manufacturers are once again turning to fermentation not just for extending shelf life, but to create functional food products that take an active part in maintaining overall health. Featuring five new chapters and updating all data to reflect the latest research findings, Handbook of Fermented Functional Foods, Second Edition examines the health benefits of fermented foods as well as the processes and production techniques involved in manufacturing fermented food products. Maintaining the highest quality information and the easily accessible format of its predecessor, this edition includes new chapters on olives, tempeh, and the traditional fermented foods of China, Thailand, and India. It looks at the history of fermented foods and reveals the specific benefits of fermented milk, Kefir, yogurt, and cheese. Contributions cover fermented soy products, including Natto and Miso, as well as the fermentation of other vegetables such as Korean Kimchi and Doenjang and German sauerkraut. The book also explains the bioactivity and bioavailability of microorganisms and investigates the more recent practice of producing probiotic cultures to add to fermented foods for increased health benefit. Presenting new findings and interpretations that point even more clearly to the important role fermented foods play in our diet and overall health, this second edition demonstrates the current knowledge of fermented food production and reflects the growing credibility of probiotics in health maintenance.

While lactic acid producing fermentation has been utilized to improve the storability, palatability, and nutritive value of perishable foods for a very long time, only recently have we begun to understand just why it works. The first edition of this international bestseller both predicted and encouraged vigorous study of various strains of lactic a

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have historically been used as starter cultures for the production of fermented foods, especially dairy products. Over recent years, new areas have had a strong impact on LAB studies: the application of omics tools; the study of complex microbial ecosystems, the discovery of new LAB species, and the use of LAB as powerhouses in the food and medical industries. This second edition of Biotechnology of Lactic Acid Bacteria: Novel Applications addresses the major advances in the fields over the last five years. Thoroughly revised and updated, the book includes new chapters. Among them: The current status of LAB systematics; The role of LAB in the human intestinal microbiome and the intestinal tract of animals and its impact on the health and disease state of the host; The involvement of LAB in fruit and vegetable fermentations; The production of nutraceuticals and aroma compounds by LAB; and The formation of biofilms by LAB. This book is an essential reference for established researchers and scientists, clinical and advanced students, university professors and instructors, nutritionists and food technologists working on food microbiology, physiology and biotechnology of lactic acid bacteria.

Fermented Foods in Health and Disease Prevention is the first scientific reference that addresses the properties of fermented foods in nutrition by examining their underlying microbiology, the specific characteristics of a wide variety of fermented foods, and their effects in health and disease. The current awareness of the link between diet and health drives growth in the industry, opening new commercial opportunities. Coverage in the book includes the role of microorganisms that are involved in the fermentation of bioactive and potentially toxic compounds, their contribution to health-promoting properties, and the safety of traditional fermented foods. Authored by worldwide scientists and researchers, this book provides the food industry with new insights on the development of value-added fermented foods products, while also presenting nutritionists and dieticians with a useful resource to help them develop strategies to assist in the prevention of disease or to slow its onset and severity. - Provides a comprehensive review on current findings in the functional properties and safety of traditional fermented foods and their impact on health and disease prevention - Identifies bioactive microorganisms and components in traditional fermented food - Includes focused key facts, helpful glossaries, and summary points for each chapter - Presents food processors and product developers with opportunities for the development of fermented food products - Helps readers develop strategies that will assist in preventing or slowing disease onset and severity